1. What is the definition of “PROBLEM?”
Webster’s Dictionary: A source of perplexity, distress or vexation.

2. What is an ISSUE? (Definition)
Webster’s: A matter that is in dispute between two or more parties; a point of debate or controversy.

3. Issue/Research Question (Title) is measureable and includes the Independent variable and the dependent variable. (And state a given population.)
drinking soft drinks have
To what extent does
on the overall health of students at Lindbergh High School (St. Louis, MO.)

4. Primary Research – That which you find out from the population you are researching.
For example – In the research question “To what extent does drinking soft drinks have on the health of students at Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, MO?” The population is the students at LHS.
Therefore, your primary research is asking about 5-7 questions to see what the population knows and believes.

5. Questions should reflect your issue and be measurable (not “yes or no” type.
Survey – Is something you do on your own – you count the number of people drinking soft drinks at lunch. The questionnaires you answer are not surveys at all.
“Opinionnaire” is a question seeking a belief or opinion.
“Questionnaire” is a question seeking to find facts. Your primary research will be a combination of both of these.
Example 1. To what extent do you feel drinking soft drinks is bad for your health?
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
Example 2. How often do you drink soft drinks?
Never 1-7 per year per month 1-7 per week Daily

6. Primary Research MUST be random sampling and have AT LEAST 70 valid people polled to be statistically significant.
Random sampling – means you must sample a good mix of freshman-seniors, cafeteria, commons and outside eaters (when sampling at lunch – the best time to get a random sampling.)
Go for 100 questionnaires, as roughly 10% of those who take your poll will act stupidly and put stupid answers or write ridiculous things thinking they are funny.

7. Make sure your primary research questions are:
Graphable (Leichert scale)
Relevant to your issue question.
Limited to 5 to 7 questions total.
Easy to understand.
Written and administered by you.